One of the tastiest ways to stay cool during the heat wave is by eating a cool, silky ice cream, and thanks to the best ice cream makers, it’s never been easier to make a tub at home. While the freezing, churning machines don’t come cheap, in usual fashion Aldi is launching a budget alternative – this time one that rivals Ninja’s premium creami.
Arriving in Aldi’s Specialbuys middle aisle this week, the Ambiano ice cream machine uses “smoothify” technology to transform frozen ingredients into a creamy texture by shaving them with a rotating blade. Whether you fancy homemade ice cream, refreshing sorbet, milkshakes or even frozen cocktails, it opens up plenty of possibilities for creating frozen favourites at home.
Priced at just £69.99, Aldi’s machine undercuts the Ninja creami by around £130. It also features a similar design and comes with comparable accessories, making it an appealing alternative for anyone tempted by Ninja’s cult-favourite appliance. While the Ninja creami deluxe is our top-rated model, its premium price makes Aldi’s more affordable option all the more enticing.
Upkeep is seemingly simple too, with a self-cleaning function, adjustable blade and dishwasher-safe accessories. Plus it comes with three 500ml preparation cups and ten preset programmes.
Read more: Salter launches affordable rival to the Ninja slushi – I put the two head-to-head
When can you buy Aldi’s affordable ice cream maker?
The ice cream maker will land in Aldi stores on Thursday, 16 July, as part of the supermarket’s limited specialbuys range. This means that once the stock is gone, it’s unlikely to return.
How much is Aldi’s ice cream maker?
Aldi’s ice cream maker will cost £69.99, so it isn’t as costly as investing in one of the best ice cream makers. There’ll be other kitchen devices landing in-store the same day, including a 9l dual air fryer (£49.99) and a milk frother (£14.99).
Best ice cream makers
Ninja creami deluxe
“If you’re tight on space and you want a machine that doesn’t only produce ice cream, the Ninja creami deluxe is the answer and the best ice cream maker I’ve tested,” said expert tester Rachael Penn in her review of the best ice cream makers.
It produced delicious, creamy soft scoop and boasts low faff clean up, as the freezable tubs are dishwasher-friendly. Its the priciest model in Ninja’s range, but we also rate the smaller, original Ninja creami (was £200, now £179, Sharkninja.co.uk). It’s often on sale, but it isn’t as big and has fewer settings.
Buy now £249.99, Ninjakitchen.co.uk
Cuisinart solo scoops ice cream maker
Cheaper than Aldi’s machine, the Cuisinart solo scoops ice cream maker was our best budget ice cream maker.
“The one-touch operation makes it incredibly easy to use,” said Rachel. “While you’re limited to one batch at a time, the results were consistently creamy and satisfying during testing, and you get a decent amount of ice cream with this machine.”
Buy now £29.99, Cuisinart.co.uk
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